For exactly one model year, 1969, the Tempest Custom became the Custom S — a trim name Pontiac almost called the "TC" instead, before quietly retiring it after a single season.
Lead trim: Tempest 350 V8 (255 hp, 2-barrel, 1970) · up to 330 hp
Pontiac Tempest1968–1970
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Nobody in Burbles has spotted a Pontiac Tempest yet. See one on the street, point the app at it, and the first card is yours — with your @handle permanently credited on this page.
FactFor exactly one model year, 1969, the Tempest Custom became the Custom S — a trim name Pontiac almost called the "TC" instead, before quietly retiring it after a single season.
A completely restyled Tempest was introduced for 1968 with streamlined "Coke bottle" styling, concealed windshield wipers and horizontal headlights, on a 112 in wheelbase for two-door models and 116 in for four-door models. The 230 cu in OHC six was enlarged to 250 cu in with the ratings the page calls unchanged, and the 326 V8 was replaced by a new 350 cu in (5.7 L) V8 (the page gives 250 hp with a two-barrel, which the LeMans page contradicts at 265 hp, and 320 hp with a four-barrel). The Tempest Custom was renamed the Custom S for 1969 only and The Judge, a GTO option, arrived. 1970, the final year of the nameplate, began with two- and four-door sedans and at mid-year added the low-priced T-37 hardtop coupe; the Custom S became the Le Mans and the previous Le Mans was renamed Le Mans Sport. The Pontiac OHC six was replaced by a Chevrolet-built 250 cubic-inch inline six, the 350 V8 was a two-barrel at 255 hp and new 400 V8s were rated at 265 hp with a two-barrel (8.6:1) or 330 hp with a four-barrel (10.25:1). In 1971 it was replaced by the T-37 series and in 1972 all Pontiac intermediates except the GTO took the Le Mans name.
Collectors Spotted in the Pontiac Tempest Lineage
No member has published a public street spot of the Pontiac Tempest yet — the First · Worldwide stamp is wide open.
Trims & Figures
6 published trims in the catalogue. A blank is a figure not recorded, not zero.
| Trim | Years | Engine | Power | Torque | 0–60 | Drive | Gearbox | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tempest 250 cu in Chevrolet I6 (1970) | 1970–1970 | 4.1 L Inline-6 | — | — | — | RWD | — | — |
| Tempest 250 cu in OHC I6 (1968–1969) | 1968–1969 | 4.1 L Inline-6 | — | — | — | RWD | — | — |
| Tempest 350 V8 (255 hp, 2-barrel, 1970) | 1970–1970 | 5.7 L V8 | 255 hp | 355 lb-ft | — | RWD | — | — |
| Tempest 350 V8 (320 hp, 4-barrel, 1968) | 1968–1968 | 5.7 L V8 | 320 hp | 380 lb-ft | — | RWD | — | — |
| Tempest 400 V8 (265 hp, 2-barrel, 1970) | 1970–1970 | 6.6 L V8 | 265 hp | 397 lb-ft | — | RWD | — | — |
| Tempest 400 V8 (330 hp, 4-barrel, 1970) | 1970–1970 | 6.6 L V8 | 330 hp | 445 lb-ft | — | RWD | — | — |
Owning one
We don’t estimate running costs for a car like this. What it costs depends on its condition, its specialist and how it is driven, and an average would mislead.
Owners’ builds
Nobody has claimed one yet.
Photographs
For exactly one model year, 1969, the Tempest Custom became the Custom S — a trim name Pontiac almost called the "TC" instead, before quietly retiring it after a single season.
The 1966 Tempest's overhead-cam six was the only one of its kind in any American production car — and it was also the first US-built engine to time its camshaft with a belt instead of a chain.
This Tempest used a flexible "rope drive" torque shaft to link its front engine to a rear transaxle — a one-piece design so unusual it had only ever appeared on a single GM concept car before.
Rivals
Same body, same money, other badges — tap any card to flip.
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